FROM THE DESK OF REV NIHAL FERNANDO
Dearly beloved in Christ,
Pentecost: The Birthday of the Church and a Call to Renewal
As we celebrate Pentecost—the glorious coming of the Holy Spirit—we
are reminded that this day marks the very birth of the Church. It was on
this day that the disciples, once fearful and uncertain, were filled with
power from on high and boldly began the mission Christ had entrusted to
them.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful—and kindle in us the fire
of Your love.
Today, more than ever, we too need to be filled with that same Spirit. Our
Church must be guided, renewed, and empowered by the Holy Spirit if we
are to truly be the Body of Christ in the world. This calls for a deep sense
of discernment: are we listening to the voice of the Spirit? Are we open to
His promptings in our daily lives and in the life of our parish?
The gifts of the Holy Spirit—wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude,
knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord—are not meant to lie dormant.
They are given to us for a purpose: to build up the Church, to reach out to
the unreachable, and to bring light where there is darkness.
Pentecost is not just a celebration of a past event; it is an invitation to
revival. Let us take this opportunity to be renewed from within, to be
courageous witnesses of the Gospel, and to allow the Spirit to breathe new
life into our parish community.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful—and kindle in us the fire
of Your love.
